Anyone conducting business in the City of Chula Vista must have a business license. Doing business in the city is defined as being located in or entering into the city to conduct business. This includes businesses based in other cities that enter Chula Vista as part of their work such as contractors and delivery companies. It also includes businesses that are located in Chula Vista, but their customers may not be located here. Having a presence, even temporarily, in Chula Vista requires a business license. 

A new business owner will need to fill out a business license application. Please note a street address of the business is necessary; a post office address alone cannot be used. 

The following information is needed to complete an application:

• Business Name (DBA filing for Fictitious Business Names) 
• Business Location (Signed Lease Agreement for in-city commercial locations)
• Type of Business
• Number of Employees
• Business Owners Contact Information
• Taxpayer ID Number OR Owner's Social Security Number
• State License Number (contractor, physician, etc)

For information regarding required documents, visit our New Business Resources.

Note: Changes in ownership address or use require completion of a new application. 

The more complete and accurate your business license application is, the easier it will be for your potential customers to find you through the online "Business Finder", promoted by the City.

If your business is being conducted out of your home, a Home Occupation Permit is required

Home Occupation Permit Application

Home-based businesses located within the City of Chula Vista require a Home Occupation Permit to be submitted in addition to the business license application.

• Home Occupation Permit Application (click here to download)

 A home occupation or home based business may be permitted in any residential zone, subject to a Home Occupation Permit (HOP). An HOP may only be granted if the business is incidental and secondary to the residential use. An HOP may be permitted when in compliance with the following general conditions:

1. Does not involve the use of power equipment using motors of more than a total of one horsepower capacity or the equivalent;
2. Does not create vehicular or pedestrian traffic in excess of that which is normal for a residential use;
3. Does not create a nuisance by reason of noise, dust, odor, vibration, fumes, smoke, electrical interference or other causes;
4. No display of products, merchandise, or any sign to identify the home occupation. This includes exterior storage of materials;
5. Only the residents of the dwelling unit may be engaged in the home occupation;
6. There shall be no sale of goods on the premises;
7. The required residential off-street parking shall be maintained. For single family homes, this requirement prohibits the conversion of garages; and
8. No vehicles or trailers (including pickup trucks and vans) or construction or other equipment, except those normally incidental to residential use, shall be kept on the site.

The HOP shall be revoked by the planning director upon violation of any requirement of the Zoning Ordinance (Title 19), or of any conditions or limitation of any permit issued.

Storm Water Industrial  Permit (SB205) Notice

Starting January 1st, 2020, a person conducting a business operation that is subject to the State Industrial General Storm Water Permit (IGP), 2014-0057-DWQ, shall demonstrate enrollment when applying for an initial business license or business license renewal. Business operations subject to the IGP can be found here.

Enrollment under the IGP is demonstrated by providing the State Permit Number (WDID, WDID Application, NEC, or NONA).  Facilities that are subject to the requirements of the IGP file a Notice of Intent, obtain a WDID or WDID Application #, prepare a Storm Water Pollution Prevention Plan, and perform monitoring during the wet season. Those who qualify for an exemption from the IGP still need to file and obtain a Storm Water Permit Number (i.e., NEC or NONA).

For more information regarding the State Industrial General Storm Water Permit (IGP), visit the California State Water Resource Control Board.

Mobile Businesses

The City requires that the following mobile businesses complete a Storm Water Questionnaire and Certification Statement:

• Auto Repair, Detailing and Washing
• Carpet, Drape, or Furniture Cleaning
• Fire Equipment and Sprinkler Maintenance
• Food Trucks
• Landscaping
• Pest Control Services
• Pet Grooming
• Portable Grooming
• Portable Sanitary Services, including Plumbing
• Power Washing Services
• Pool, Spa, and Fountain Maintenance
• Any mobile construction business (e.g. cement work, masonry, painting and coating)
• Any mobile business that utilizes water

If you would like to license one of the above business types, please visit our Storm Water webpage or contact the Storm Water section at (619)397-6111.

Chapter 5.07 of the Chula Vista Municipal Code establishes the Master Tax Schedule for Business Licenses, and can be accessed here.

Business License Tax and Fee Information is available via the link below and is provided to aid in calculating Business License Taxes and fees due.  Any error or omission does not excuse business owners of any responsibility or liability when establishing a business in the City of Chula Vista.  Review the entire schedule to determine what taxes and fees apply to your business. 

If you have questions, please contact a Business License Representative.

Business License Tax and Fee Information

Per California Business and Professions Code Section 16000.2, you are notified that Health and Safety Code Section 118600(a) requires all single-user toilet facilities in any business establishment, place of public accommodation, or government agency to be identified as all-gender toilet facilities by signage that complies with Title 24 of the California Code of Regulations, and designed for use by no more than one occupant at a time or for family or assisted use.

Details are available at: https://leginfo.legislature.ca.gov/faces/codes_displaySection.xhtml?lawCode=HSC&sectionNum=118600

Under federal and state law, compliance with disability access laws is a serious and significant responsibility that applies to all California building owners and tenants with buildings open to the public. You may obtain information about your legal obligations and how to comply with disability access laws at the following agencies:

• The Division of the State Architect at www.dgs.ca.gov/DSA
• The Department of Rehabilitation at www.dor.ca.gov/
• The California Commission on Disability Access at www.dgs.ca.gov/CCDA

Business License Application (PDF)

Home Occupation Permit (PDF)

Storm Water Questionnaire (PDF)